Rete testis

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Rete testis
Wolffian duct
Identifiers
Latinrete testis
MeSHD012152
TA98A09.3.01.024
TA23601
FMA19834
Anatomical terminology]

The rete testis (

seminiferous tubules to the efferent ducts. It is the homologue of the rete ovarii in females.[1]
Its function is to provide a site for fluid reabsorption.

Structure

Micrograph of the rete testis. H&E stain.

The rete testis is the network of interconnecting tubules where the

seminiferous tubules) empty. It is located within a highly vascular connective tissue in the mediastinum testis.[2] The epithelial cells form a single layer that lines the inner surface of the tubules. These cells are cuboidal, with microvilli and a single cilium on their surface.[3]

Development

In the

testis is developed in much the same way as the ovary, originating from mesothelium as well as mesonephros. Like the ovary, in its earliest stages it consists of a central mass covered by a surface epithelium. In the central mass, a series of cords appear. These cords run together toward the future hilum
and form a network that ultimately becomes the rete testis.

Function

It appears the function of the rete testis is to mix the sperm as they leave the seminiferous tubules. Sperm leave the seminiferous tubules in the dilute secretions of Sertoli cells. The rete testis does modify the luminal fluids with a limited amount of secretion and reabsorption, but their primary function is to mix and transport the sperm into the efferent ductules, where the major function is reabsorption of about 95% of the fluid, which increases the sperm concentration prior to entering the epididymis.

Clinical significance

cysts
.

Etymology

English uses the Neo-Latin name for the structure, which simply means "network of the testis".

Additional images

  • Vertical section of the testis, to show the arrangement of the ducts.
    Vertical section of the
    testis
    , to show the arrangement of the ducts.
  • Micrograph of the rete testis involved by seminoma. H&E stain.
    Micrograph of the rete testis involved by seminoma. H&E stain.
  • Tubular ectasia of the rete testis
    Tubular ectasia of the rete testis

References

  1. ^ Definition: Rete ovarii from Online Medical Dictionary
  2. ISBN 978-0-7817-7200-6
    .
  3. ISBN 978-0702047473
    .

External links


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